NCAA Games of the Week: Clemson faces Jackson, Louisville

By T.C. Brewster

Sports Blogger

@tbrew28

No. 3 Clemson at No. 14 Louisville (7 p.m., Saturday, ABC)

(TigerNet.com, Flickr)

The reigning national champion Clemson Tigers visit last season’s Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson and the Louisville Cardinals on Saturday night. If Clemson wants to compete for another championship, it needs to stop one of the most explosive quarterbacks in college football. Jackson has gone for at least 300 yards and rushed for more than 100 yards in each of Louisville’s first games. He hasn’t thrown an interception in 85 pass attempts. If last season’s game was any indication, this game should be a close one.

No. 23 Tennessee at No. 24 Florida (2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS)

The Florida Gators suffered a heart-breaking loss Week 1, as they lost 33-17 to Michigan. After an unexpected bye week because of Hurricane Irma, the Gators look to rebound against a talented Tennessee team. Both teams are struggling to find a permanent starting quarterback along with consistent playmakers on offense. This game has high implications as far as the SEC East race goes, and it wouldn’t be surprising to find the winner playing for a conference championship.

No. 18 Kansas State at Vanderbilt (6:30 p.m., Saturday, ESPNU)

Although both teams are coming in 2-0, neither have faced a team from a Power 5 conference. Vanderbilt is far from an SEC contender, but it seems to pull off a couple upsets each year. Last year, it was able pick up wins against Georgia and Tennessee. A win against a ranked Kansas State would be huge for Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason, as he continues to build the program.